Gary Moses, who’s much like a big teddy bear himself, was so moved by his participation in the Mysterious Santa program last year that he bought the toys to hand out this year as he makes the rounds at Memorial University Medical Center.

The program is a Savannah tradition that grew out of one man’s lonely Christmas.

In 1902, Savannahian William Eugene Smith spent Dec. 25 sick and alone in the hospital.

He prayed, promising that if he recovered he’d spend his Christmases playing Santa to hospital patients.

He got better and made good on his promise.

Smith recruited volunteers who helped with the project, making sure it carried on after his death in 1952.

The head Santa keeps his identity a mystery as part of the tradition.

The 80-100 volunteers typically visit almost 3,000 people on Christmas morning, fanning out from their base at St. Michael and All Angels Church near Daffin Park to visit hospitals and nursing homes.

Last year was the first time Moses, a Savannah accountant, volunteered. At 64, he’s round, white haired, and good-natured, a natural Santa.

Still, parading around Memorial in a red suit made him nervous at first.

The role grew on him as he and his elves made their way through the wards and he saw how patients reacted.

“The most powerful one we had was when I went into a little girl’s room. I don’t remember how old, maybe 8 or 10,” said Moses, choking up at the memory.

“I gave her a little bear. The nurse said it was the first time she’d seen her smile since she’d been in the hospital.”

Another woman was discharged just before the Santa team came by. No matter; she extended her hospital stay long enough for them to drop by her room.

Moses and his team met every patient who wanted a visit, dropping off a small gift for each person, singing Christmas carols for some but mainly giving the gift of their presence.

“We would pray with people each time,” Moses said. “Sometimes we’d cry with people.”

He’s looking forward to volunteering again this year, both for what he gives and what he gets from the experience.